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Diarrhea quiz: What common causes are behind your symptoms?

Frequent, watery, loose stools are the hallmark of diarrhea, a common but usually not serious condition. Although signs and symptoms are uncomfortable and may restrict some of your activities, diarrhea usually ends on its own after a few days. However, some cases of diarrhea may be serious enough to require medical attention.

This quiz can help you recognize and cope with diarrhea and know when to call your doctor.

1. Diarrhea usually clears up on its own, without the need for antibiotics or other medications.

  • True
  • False

2. In acute cases, diarrhea lasts less than a few days and can be caused by:

  • Infections
  • Food poisoning
  • Medication
  • Caffeine
  • All of the above

3. Not all digestive systems are created equally. Some people are unable to absorb certain compounds or nutrients, which can lead to diarrhea. Poor absorption of which of the following can cause diarrhea?

  • Fats
  • Carbohydrates — for example, lactose
  • Nutritional supplements — for example, zinc or magnesium in high doses
  • Artificial sweeteners — for example, sorbitol or mannitol
  • All of the above

4. Chronic diarrhea — diarrhea lasting more than four weeks — may be due to many diseases and conditions. Which of the following is usually NOT associated with diarrhea?

  • Appendicitis
  • Irritable bowel syndrome
  • Lactose intolerance
  • Celiac disease
  • All of the above

5. If you have acute diarrhea:

  • Drink plenty of milk
  • Avoid caffeinated beverages
  • Restrict water intake
  • Increase fiber intake
  • None of the above

6. See your doctor if diarrhea persists more than five days, or sooner if you:

  • Have severe abdominal or rectal pain
  • Have blood in your stools
  • Have a temperature higher than 101 F
  • Become dehydrated
  • All of the above

7. Traveling to foreign countries can lead to traveler's diarrhea, a condition that results from inadequate sanitation, contaminated food and water-borne bacteria. What's the greatest risk factor for getting traveler's diarrhea?

  • Your age
  • Length of stay
  • Destination
  • Home country of the traveler
  • Eating native foods

8. If you have traveler's diarrhea, the best way to treat it is with medicines that stop diarrhea.

  • True
  • False

DIGESTIVE SYSTEM


Jan 6, 2009